Etihad
Airways today introduced an Airbus A380 aircraft on one of its two daily
services between Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and
Paris Charles de Gaulle.

The new service has been introduced
early to meet seasonal demand from 1 July to 28 October and 15 December to 15
February 2018. The A380 will then operate a regular year-round service from 25
March 2018. The superjumbo replaces a three-class Boeing 777-300ER
previously operating the airline’s daily overnight service to the French
capital.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways Executive Vice
President Commercial, said: “Paris is one of Etihad Airways’ most sought-after
destinations, popular with both leisure and business flyers alike. The global
capital of style and gastronomy deserves us to fly our flagship product to
town, offering world-leading and award-winning inflight hospitality experiences
in the skies.

“The A380 has presented a unique opportunity
to provide the signature services and innovations that only Etihad Airways has
been able to create for this incredible aircraft. These include revolutionary
cabins such as The Residence, and First Apartments – jewels in the crown of our
First Class offering, which was recently recognised again with three coveted
Skytrax World Airline Awards at the Paris Air Show.

“Paris
is a city loved by all of us in the UAE. We have also seen an increase in the
number of French visitors we are welcoming to Abu Dhabi - a hub of culture,
commerce and tourism, which is home to French institutions such as the
spectacular Louvre Museum and the Paris-Sorbonne University. Adding the
flagship aircraft on this important route reaffirms Etihad Airways’ and the
UAE’s commitment to the French market and celebrates the deep cultural and
business ties which exist between our two countries.”

The
aircraft, which was piloted by a French Captain and an Emirati First Officer,
was greeted with a customary water canon salute on arrival into Paris, where
local media and special guests were invited to meet executives from the airline
and to tour the aircraft’s award-winning interiors.

Etihad Airways operates a dedicated
Premium Lounge at Charles de Gaulle, significantly enhancing the ground
experience for its guests travelling in The Residence, First Class, Business
Class, and its top-tier loyalty members, with paid access available to guests
in Economy Class.

About Etihad Airways’ A380

The most highly customised
cabin interior ever designed, Etihad Airways’ A380 carries 496 guests in a
four-class configuration: The Residence, First Apartments (First Class),
Business Studios (Business Class), and Economy Smart Seats (Economy Class).
Etihad Airways has taken the finest details from the best service and hospitality
establishments around the world to redefine the air travel experience.

The Residence, an ultra-private,
three-room suite that accommodates up to two guests, features a living room
with a 32-inch LCD monitor, bedroom with a double bed, separate en-suite shower
room and dedicated personal Butler trained at the world-renowned Savoy Butler
Academy in London to look after the needs of its discerning guests. An Inflight
Chef is available to custom-create menus to order.

The nine First
Apartments in First Class are private living spaces featuring a large Poltrona
Frau armchair, a separate Ottoman which transforms into a full-length bed, flat-screen
TV, chilled mini-bar, personal vanity unit, and wardrobe. A fully equipped
shower room is available for the exclusive use of First Class guests. The
Inflight Chef is also available in First Class to create an exquisite dining
experience.

The 70 Business
Studios are located on the upper deck of the A380, all offering direct aisle
access and a fully flat bed.

Experienced Food and
Beverage Managers assist Business Class guests through extensive menu options
available and provide recommendations on the perfect accompaniment for their
meals.

The Lobby, a luxurious
lounge located between the First Class and Business Class cabins, features two
comfortable Poltrona Frau sofas and a bar serving a selection of snacks and refreshments.

The main deck features
415 Economy Smart Seats which offer unique ergonomic fixed-wing headrests,
lumbar support and an 11-inch personal, high-definition TV monitor.

Guests in all cabins
enjoy over 750 hours of on-demand movies, TV programmes, improved gaming and
live TV news and sports via the state-of-the-art Panasonic eX3 entertainment
system. A Flying Nanny, approved by the world-famous Norland College in the UK,
is onboard every A380 to provide dedicated support for families travelling with
young children.

Flights can be booked
at etihad.com, via Etihad Airways Contact Centres, or through
travel agents.

Daily
flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and Paris CDG, from 1 July 2017: